Habitat for Humanity Fiji (HFH Fiji), with support from the Rabi Council of Leaders, has made significant improvements to water accessibility and quality on Rabi Island. In response to a 2023 request from the Council, HFH Fiji focused on enhancing water systems in the Tiburaro, Tabwewa Meang, and Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) settlements in Tabwewa, as well as the Kesukesu and Nadoi communities in Uma.
Residents in these areas previously faced severe challenges accessing water, with families in Tiburaro traveling long distances to reach creeks and streams. Meanwhile, SDA, Kesukesu, and Nadoi communities received only limited water access, often just one to two hours per day. These struggles made it increasingly difficult for women to care for the elderly and individuals with disabilities while managing household duties.
Financial constraints contributed to deteriorating water systems, increasing the risk of waterborne illnesses as families were forced to draw from contaminated sources. To address these issues, the New Zealand High Commission in Fiji allocated approximately $119,000 to HFH Fiji to establish a new water system in Tiburaro and upgrade existing systems in four other communities.
This initiative led to the formation of Rabi Island’s first Water Committee, comprising women and community members, to ensure adequate representation in decisions related to the maintenance and operation of water systems. Financial literacy workshops were conducted to empower the committees to manage community fees effectively.
Additionally, HFH Fiji enhanced water quality by distributing portable bucket water filters through a partner organization, which effectively removes contaminants, ensuring safe drinking water. In total, 38 filters were distributed to families for everyday use, seven were provided to the Rabi Council of Leaders for disaster response initiatives, and two were delivered to community health centers.
This project, benefiting approximately 800 residents across five settlements on Rabi Island, has significantly improved the quality of life by ensuring reliable access to safe water.